Philip Pfanner & Julia Frantz fundraising for mYAMAdventure and the Pacific Crest Trail Association

We both grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and have been active in the outdoors all of our lives. From a young age, our parents took us on camping and backpacking trips throughout the Pacific Northwest, and over time, we have grown to love the adventure and freedom that the trail brings. We have both spent many a summer day hiking portions of the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail, but, up until this point in our lives, have not felt ready to take on the entire trail.

Now, we are pursuing our shared passion for adventure and our love of the outdoors by embarking on a thru-hike of all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. While we are undertaking this adventure as a couple, this hike is a goal we have both aspired to individually for much of our lives. We’ve realized that there is no time like the present - if we don't seize the opportunity, we may not get another chance to experience this hike.

Both of us regularly seek out adventure in every facet of our lives. Whether we’re running marathons, swimming across the San Francisco Bay, or traveling to Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer, the pursuit of adventure and pushing our physical limits is in our DNA. We both love a challenge and relish the aliveness that comes from working hard, pushing through pain, and ultimately, accomplishing a goal. We want to experience the highs and lows of long-distance hiking: the monotony of the ten-hour days, the rain, snow, heat, and fatigue, but also the incredible beauty of our surroundings and the freedom of doing nothing but hiking each day.

We are honored and excited to be part of the mYAMAdventure team and to be raising money for the Pacific Crest Trail Association! The PCTA works to preserve and protect the trail so that it remains pristine, accessible, and wild for this and future generations. By supporting the organization that keeps the trail alive, you help ensure that others can pursue their own adventures for years to come.

Join us in raising money for the Pacific Crest Trail Association, and help contribute to what makes the West Coast the wild and beautiful place we love.